Firefighters are wrestling with huge forest fires that broke out in central Chile on Friday. Officials have extended curfews in cities most heavily affected by the blazes and said the death toll has increased to 112 killed.
The intense fires in the area of Viña del Mar have caused significant damage, including the destruction of a botanical garden that was established in 1931. As a result, approximately 1,600 individuals have been displaced from their homes.
There are flames and smoke on the eastern side of the city, which has caused some individuals to become trapped in their residences. Authorities have stated that approximately 200 individuals have been reported as missing in Viña del Mar and the nearby vicinity. This city is a well-liked beach destination and has a population of 300,000 individuals.
On Sunday evening, the forensic medicine service in Chile reported that the number of confirmed deaths has risen to 112.
Reuters captured aerial footage of the Vina del Mar region, revealing extensive damage to entire communities. Residents were seen sifting through the remains of their homes, which had been reduced to charred shells with collapsed corrugated metal roofs. Burnt cars were scattered along the streets.
On Sunday, Rodrigo Mundaca, the leader of Valparaíso, expressed his belief that certain fires may have been deliberately started, echoing a similar theory mentioned by President Gabriel Boric on Saturday.
“Display the image in full screen mode.”
According to Mundaca, the fires originated from four locations and started at the same time. As officials, we must diligently investigate to identify those responsible.
The wildfires near Viña del Mar originated in remote, mountainous, wooded regions that are difficult to access. However, despite the Chilean government’s attempts to contain them, they have spread to densely populated residential areas on the outskirts of the city.
On Saturday, Boric said unusually high temperatures, low humidity and high wind speeds were making it difficult to control the wildfires in central Chile, which have already burned through 8,000 hectares of forest and urban areas.
Display the image in fullscreen mode.
Authorities are urging individuals living in impacted regions to promptly evacuate their residences, while those who are further away from the fires are advised to remain indoors in order to assist with the movement of emergency vehicles.
Restrictions on movement at certain times have been implemented in Viña del Mar, Quilpué, and Villa Alemana to deter cases of theft.
During a period of exceptionally high temperatures in central Chile, fires erupted. The El Niño phenomenon has been responsible for dry conditions and elevated temperatures in western South America for the past two months, heightening the threat of wildfires.
as the main sources,
Using Reuters and Associated Press as the primary sources.
Source: theguardian.com
